Fishing in Cabo San Lucas in December: What’s Biting
In December, the peak species in Cabo are striped marlin and wahoo. Here’s everything that’s in season, and what you might see from the boat.
At their peak 2
The best month for these.
Also biting 18
In season, in good numbers.
Possible 18
Around, but not reliable this month.
Wildlife to look for in December 16
Rules to know in December
- Sharks: 1 per angler per day, counting as 5 of the 10 fish (closed May 1 to July 31; whale, white and basking sharks can never be kept). We release every shark.
- Billfish: 1 per angler per day by law; in Cabo we follow a local rule of 1 per boat per day, and we encourage releasing every billfish.
- Up to 10 fish per angler per day, no more than 5 of one species; gulf grouper (baya) 2 per day. License & limits →
- Whales: keep the minimum distances set by NOM-131 and never chase them.
Questions
What fish are biting in Cabo San Lucas in December?
At their peak: striped marlin and wahoo. Also in good numbers: dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, Pacific sierra, skipjack tuna, striped bonito, black skipjack, almaco jack, bigeye trevally, rainbow runner, Mexican barracuda, Mexican needlefish, leopard grouper, finescale triggerfish, barred pargo, yellow snapper, shortfin mako and blue shark.
Can you see whales in Cabo in December?
Yes. December is in season for the humpback whale. Mexico sets minimum approach distances for whales (NOM-131): never chase them.
Is shark fishing allowed in December?
Yes, outside the Pacific closed season (May 1 to July 31), with a limit of 1 shark per angler per day. We release every shark.
Seasons come from each species page: scientific studies and local fishing reports. They change from year to year; check the latest fishing report before you book.